The Lister Clinic in London --

[BelleColour]

My DH and I have a New Patient appt next week. We HAVE to take our DD (nearly 2 yrs) with us as we have no one else to look after her. I know this is far from ideal but we have no choice. My plan is that I will have her when he does his sample and he will have her when I have my scan. With regard to speaking to the consultant, it will just have to be me, while he takes her for a walk. Has anyone been - will a toddler (even a reasonably well-behaved one) cause upset in the clinic to other patients? Such a bloody mess, but I cant cancel - I am pinning all my hopes on this.

Haven't been to the Lister but we had to take our 4 year old daughter to a new patient appt a few weeks ago. Like you, I was worried it was completely inappropriate (childless couples getting distressed, dd causing a fuss, us not being able to speak). Ok she isn't a toddler any more, but it was absolutely fine - apparently loads of people bring children. She was absurdly well behaved (we bribed her) and it all went fine. In fact, it was loads easier than leaving her behind and both dh and I agreed we had been worrying about nothing.

I would try and both chat to the consultant though - I bet he/she will be fine about having a toddler present in the room and although you might be a bit distracted at least you will both be part of the consultation. You could always resort to taking her out if it all goes pear shaped!

Good luck

IWBP - thank you. You have calmed me a wee bit. I have visions of other couples thinking I am very insensitive and selfish bringing her along when that is so far from the truth. Hopefully, bribery will save the day and like you say, ideally we should both be in with the consultant but if she kicks off, he can take her out then x

Belle
Dont worry - just take some things for her to do (and poss some bribery items too!). We have had to take DD (now 2.9) to all kinds of appointments at 2 different clinics (not Lister). The waiting room is the bit that I worried about - other people reactions/feelings (but then pre-DD I didnt mind seeing dcs as it gave me hope that actually treatment might work!) but its always been fine. The staff have always been delighted to see dd and no problem at all.

Personally, I would both go to the consultant appointment with your dd so that you can both listen/talk as well as distract dd. I always find there is lots to take in during these conversations - perhaps you'll remember more than if just you.
Good luck!

Thanks Sticki.